Abstract: A display having a variably controlled backlight and/or driver is disclosed. The backlight includes a first light source that emits light within a first spectral power distribution and has a first radiant power output. A second light source emits light within a second spectral power distribution matched to an optical filter for producing a perceived chromaticity and luminosity matching the perceived display appearance without the optical filter.

Abstract: A display having a variably controlled backlight and/or driver is disclosed. The backlight includes a first light source that emits light within a first spectral power distribution and has a first radiant power output. A second light source emits light within a second spectral power distribution matched to an optical filter for producing a perceived chromaticity and luminosity matching the perceived display appearance without the optical filter.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for converting of a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) waste product to a gypsum-enriched product by fostering growth of sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) in the FGD waste product. Also provided are isolated sulfur oxidizing bacteria cultures as well as kits comprising an isolated sulfur oxidizing bacteria culture and written instructions for fostering the growth of the isolated sulfur oxidizing bacteria culture in FGD waste product to product a gypsum-enriched product.

Abstract: A method of mitigating the environmental impact of invasive Asian carp is provided. The method generally involves producing a metal sorbent from the defleshed bones of a plurality of Asian carp harvested from a body of water in which the carp is invasive, and/or treating a metal contaminated material with the metal sorbent, so as to support harvesting of the invasive Asian carp from the body of water.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for converting of a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) waste product to a gypsum-enriched product by fostering growth of sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) in the FGD waste product. Also provided are isolated sulfur oxidizing bacteria cultures as well as kits comprising an isolated sulfur oxidizing bacteria culture and written instructions for fostering the growth of the isolated sulfur oxidizing bacteria culture in FGD waste product to product a gypsum-enriched product.

Abstract: Disclosed is an avionics display device for use in the cockpit of an aircraft. The display device includes a liquid crystal display adapted for using a source of light to display information to a viewer and a backlight adapted to controllably provide a portion of the source of light for use by the liquid crystal display in displaying the information. A polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) device is positioned between the liquid crystal display and the backlight. An ambient light sensor adapted to sense a level of ambient light in the cockpit of the aircraft provides a sensor output indicative of the sensed ambient light level. Luminance control circuitry coupled to the ambient light sensor, to the backlight and to the PDLC device, receives the sensor output and generates as a function of the sensed ambient light level control signals for controlling the intensity of the light provided by the backlight and the transmissivity of the PDLC device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an avionics display device adapted for insertion into an avionics panel of an aircraft. The avionics display device includes a liquid crystal display having a liquid crystal display element and a bezel surrounding the liquid crystal display element. The avionics display device also includes a low profile rotary switch mounted on the bezel of the liquid crystal display to save avionics panel space in the aircraft. The low profile rotary switch includes a printed circuit board positioned beneath the bezel and having a plurality of electrical pads formed thereon. The switch also includes a contact member positioned adjacent the printed circuit board and having a first contact formed thereon. Rotation of the contact member causes the first contact to be electrically coupled to one of the plurality of electrical pads formed on the printed circuit board. A knob is coupled to the contact member such that rotation of the knob causes rotation of the contact member.

Abstract: Disclosed are a backlight and avionics display using the same to provide light to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. In the backlight, a day mode light source positioned on a first side of the LCD device and adapted to provide a first source of light for use by the LCD device during day mode operations. A night mode light source positioned on the first side of the LCD device is adapted to provide a second source of light for use by the LCD device during night mode operations. A sculptured transflector positioned between the day mode light source and the night mode light source has, at a first side adjacent the day mode light source, a transflective material and a plurality of arcuate or parabolic surfaces in order to maximize a percentage of light from the day mode light source which is reflected toward the LCD device.

Abstract: Disclosed are a backlight and a method of driving the same to provide a uniform low intensity source of light for a liquid crystal display. The fluorescent lamp includes a fluorescent lamp and a drive circuit coupled to the anode and to the cathode of the fluorescent lamp for supplying the fluorescent lamp with a drive current. First and second longitudinally extending substantially transparent conductor members are disposed externally along the length of the lamp. A radio frequency (RF) signal generator connected to each of the first and second longitudinally extending conductor members drives the first and second conductor members with an RF signal to generate a dynamic RF electric field within the glass tube.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system for in situ bioremediation of soil wherein nutrients are delivered in the vapor phase to the affected area of the soil for utilization by microorganisms to promote the metabolism of organic contaminants by the microorganisms.